President Emmanuel Macron hosts three-way talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and US President-elect Donald Trump inside the Elysee Palace ahead of the re-opening ceremony for Notre Dame cathedral.

Macron, Trump & Zelensky Holds Three-Way Talks At Elysee Palace

BREAKING: Macron Holds Talks With Trump & Zelensky At Elysee Palace

Following commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, French President Emmanuel Macron and Joe Biden celebrated the US President's official state visit to France with a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe.&nbsp;

Over the bond between the United States and France, President Biden alongside Macron at Elysee Palace, said,&nbsp;“This week, we have once again showed the world once again the power of allies, what we can achieve when we stand together. That’s what the relationship between France and the United States exemplifies."&nbsp;

The Bidens were welcomed by Macron and French first lady Brigitte Macron at the Arc de Triomphe. They paid their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, with a French military choir. The leaders observed a flyover and greeted officials from a French delegation.&nbsp;

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The event culminated with the leaders signing a guestbook and parading down the Champs-Élysées, which was lined with military personnel and decorated with American and French flags.

The Bidens then proceeded to the Elysée Palace for a working lunch with the Macrons, and later in the evening, they returned for a state dinner.&nbsp;

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Highlighting the historical alliance, Biden said, “That feat [Fourth of July, Declaration of Independence] would not have been possible ... were it not for France coming to our aid. We’re a nation because of France, in large part. You stepped up when we needed help.” He added, "France was our first friend. Remains one of our best friends."

<h2>Global issues discussed&nbsp;</h2>

During their discussion, Biden and Macron addressed several critical global issues. Biden reaffirmed their united stance on Ukraine and highlighted both countries' commitment to support against Russian aggression.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-macron-welcomes-us-president-biden-in-paris-729974">French President Macron welcomes US President Biden in Paris</a>

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“We know what happens if (Russian President Vladimir) Putin succeeds in subjugating Ukraine. … And we know Putin isn’t going to stop at Ukraine – it’s not just Ukraine, it’s about much more than Ukraine. All of Europe will be threatened. We’re not gonna let that happen... We will not walk away," Biden asserted.&nbsp;

Both leaders also discussed cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and climate change. Concerning the Gaza war, Macron showed backing for Biden's ceasefire proposal.&nbsp;

The visit marked an improvement in US-French relations since the diplomatic rift over the US-Australia submarine deal in September 2021, which led Macron to recall his ambassador.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, French President Emmanuel Macron and Joe Biden celebrated the US President's official state visit to France with a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe.

Following commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, French President Emmanuel Macron and Joe Biden celebrated the US President's official state visit to France with a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe. Over the bond between the United States and France, President Biden alongside Macron at Elysee Palace, said, “This week, we have once again showed the world once again the power of allies, what we can achieve when we stand together. That’s what the relationship between France and the United States exemplifies." The Bidens were welcomed by Macron and French first lady Brigitte Macron at the Arc de Triomphe. They paid their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, with a French military choir. The leaders observed a flyover and greeted officials from a French delegation. Also Read | New York enacts landmark laws to combat social media addiction and protect children's privacy The event culminated with the leaders signing a guestbook and parading down the Champs-Élysées, which was lined with military personnel and decorated with American and French flags. The Bidens then proceeded to the Elysée Palace for a working lunch with the Macrons, and later in the evening, they returned for a state dinner. Also Read | Bodies of all four Indian students recovered from Russia’s Volkhov river, to be repatriated Highlighting the historical alliance, Biden said, “That feat [Fourth of July, Declaration of Independence] would not have been possible ... were it not for France coming to our aid. We’re a nation because of France, in large part. You stepped up when we needed help.” He added, "France was our first friend. Remains one of our best friends." Global issues discussed During their discussion, Biden and Macron addressed several critical global issues. Biden reaffirmed their united stance on Ukraine and highlighted both countries' commitment to support against Russian aggression. Watch | French President Macron welcomes US President Biden in Paris × “We know what happens if (Russian President Vladimir) Putin succeeds in subjugating Ukraine. … And we know Putin isn’t going to stop at Ukraine – it’s not just Ukraine, it’s about much more than Ukraine. All of Europe will be threatened. We’re not gonna let that happen... We will not walk away," Biden asserted. Both leaders also discussed cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and climate change. Concerning the Gaza war, Macron showed backing for Biden's ceasefire proposal. The visit marked an improvement in US-French relations since the diplomatic rift over the US-Australia submarine deal in September 2021, which led Macron to recall his ambassador. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden and Macron celebrate US-French ties, show support for Ukraine and Gaza ceasefire deal

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Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, on a charm offensive to back his bid to oust his country's leader, claimed Saturday to have the "firm support" of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Guaido, recognised as Venezuela's interim president by the United States and 50 other countries, has so far failed to bring down President Nicolas Maduro despite months of struggle and economic crisis.

On Saturday, Guaido told Europe 1 radio: "We had firm support from President Macron," after the pair held talks in Paris on Friday.

"Today, Venezuela resembles Syria more than Cuba," Guaido said, listing "10 million per cent inflation, 65 per cent drop in GDP in six years, 3.5 dollars a day per person, 83 per cent of homes without running water."

After the meeting at the Elysee Palace, Macron tweeted,&nbsp;"France supports the rapid organisation of a free and transparent presidential election" in Venezuela.

But Maduro's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza responded by telling Macron to concentrate on tackling the recent protests in his own country.

"A deaf and arrogant government... cannot give lessons in democracy to anyone, and certainly not to Venezuela," he tweeted in French.

Guaido defied a travel ban to meet officials in London and Brussels before heading to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week.

But despite giving him a warm welcome, EU officials have not announced any concrete measures to help foster a political solution to Venezuela's deepening crisis.

"We are facing an international criminal conglomerate and we need your help," Guaido told Davos participants. "Alone, we are not going to get there."

It was in Davos last year that several heads of state recognised Guaido as interim president. But despite presiding over the economic collapse of his oil-rich nation, Maduro is still in charge, defying a growing list of US and EU sanctions.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, on a charm offensive to back his bid to oust his country's leader, claimed Saturday to have the "firm support" of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, on a charm offensive to back his bid to oust his country's leader, claimed Saturday to have the "firm support" of French President Emmanuel Macron. Guaido, recognised as Venezuela's interim president by the United States and 50 other countries, has so far failed to bring down President Nicolas Maduro despite months of struggle and economic crisis. On Saturday, Guaido told Europe 1 radio: "We had firm support from President Macron," after the pair held talks in Paris on Friday. "Today, Venezuela resembles Syria more than Cuba," Guaido said, listing "10 million per cent inflation, 65 per cent drop in GDP in six years, 3.5 dollars a day per person, 83 per cent of homes without running water." After the meeting at the Elysee Palace, Macron tweeted, "France supports the rapid organisation of a free and transparent presidential election" in Venezuela. But Maduro's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza responded by telling Macron to concentrate on tackling the recent protests in his own country. "A deaf and arrogant government... cannot give lessons in democracy to anyone, and certainly not to Venezuela," he tweeted in French. Guaido defied a travel ban to meet officials in London and Brussels before heading to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week. But despite giving him a warm welcome, EU officials have not announced any concrete measures to help foster a political solution to Venezuela's deepening crisis. "We are facing an international criminal conglomerate and we need your help," Guaido told Davos participants. "Alone, we are not going to get there." It was in Davos last year that several heads of state recognised Guaido as interim president. But despite presiding over the economic collapse of his oil-rich nation, Maduro is still in charge, defying a growing list of US and EU sanctions.

Venezuela's Juan Guaido meets Emmanuel Macron on charm offensive

French forces freed four hostages, including an American and South Korean, during a night-time rescue in Burkina Faso in which two soldiers were killed, according to a statement from France's Elysee Palace on Friday.

Breaking: Two soldiers killed in French-led rescue of four hostages in Burkina Faso

Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky, a political novice and favourite to win <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-poroshenko-agrees-to-debate-with-frontrunner-zelensky-207896">Kiev's presidential vote</a>, will head to Paris Friday to meet French President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;

While many dismissed as a joke his bid to lead Ukraine -- a country at war with Moscow-backed rebels -- Zelensky defeated President Petro Poroshenko in the presidential vote's first round. Polls predict he will also win the election's run-off next Sunday.&nbsp;

The actor, whose only political experience is playing the president in a TV show, is due to meet Macron at the Elysee Palace.&nbsp;

Poroshenko, meanwhile, will head to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, before also meeting Macron in Paris later the same day.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian leader said the pre-election talks in France and Germany are crucial for "the fate of the Ukrainian state and of European security".&nbsp;

They were "especially important", he said, in the face of "attempts" to lift Western sanctions against Russia, imposed on Moscow after its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula.&nbsp;

France and Germany are part of the so-called Normandy peace talks with Ukraine and Russia that aim to end a conflict between Kiev and the Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. The war has killed 13,000 people over the past five years.&nbsp;

Kiev and its Western allies accuse Russia of supporting the rebels militarily. Moscow denies that.&nbsp;

Poroshenko, a 53-year-old former foreign minister, has positioned himself as the only candidate able to stand up to the Kremlin.

He is eager to make up lost ground before the run-off vote by showing off his experience and oratory.&nbsp;

Zelensky has said he will only debate Poroshenko in Kiev's Olympic Stadium, which seats over 70,000 people. The Ukrainian president has agreed, but the pair have so far given different dates for the event.&nbsp;

'Strange situation'&nbsp;

Zelensky, 41, has shunned traditional rallies, instead of performing satirical shows and capitalising on frustration over corruption and economic trouble.

By welcoming him, Paris has caused some annoyance in Kiev.&nbsp;

"This is a very unpleasant and strange situation," a high-ranking Ukrainian diplomatic source told AFP.&nbsp;

Analysts say the decision to host the comedian is explained by his success in the March 31 first round when he won 30 per cent of the vote. Poroshenko took almost 16 per cent.&nbsp;

A new poll released Thursday showed 61 per cent of Ukrainians intends to vote for Zelensky in the second round on Sunday. It found only 24 per cent would back Poroshenko.

"France is showing that it knows what the direction the Ukrainian electorate is heading in towards and that it has to make contact," said Leonid Litra, an analyst at the Kiev-based New Europe Center.&nbsp;

Meeting Macron would allow the actor to make clear his vision of the peace process in eastern Ukraine that has currently stalled, Litra said.&nbsp;

Zelensky has suggested including the UK and the US in peace talks. &nbsp;

Despite Zelensky's inexperience, Litra said there is little risk of the frontrunner committing a serious faux-pas in Paris. &nbsp;

"It is not complicated to exchange courtesies. He knows how to do that," he said.&nbsp;

Despite the flamboyant media spectacle, the stakes are high for Ukraine, a country of 45 million seen as the biggest frontier between the European Union and Russia.&nbsp;

In 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and war erupted in eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;

Before the conflict with separatists began, Zelensky had struck a conciliatory tone, saying he was ready to "kneel" in front of Putin to avoid a military conflict.&nbsp;

After the first round of the vote, he said he would ask the Kremlin for compensation for the war and for taking Crimea.&nbsp;

Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky, a political novice and favourite to win Kiev's presidential vote, will head to Paris Friday to meet French President Emmanuel Macron.

Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky, a political novice and favourite to win Kiev's presidential vote, will head to Paris Friday to meet French President Emmanuel Macron. While many dismissed as a joke his bid to lead Ukraine -- a country at war with Moscow-backed rebels -- Zelensky defeated President Petro Poroshenko in the presidential vote's first round. Polls predict he will also win the election's run-off next Sunday. The actor, whose only political experience is playing the president in a TV show, is due to meet Macron at the Elysee Palace. Poroshenko, meanwhile, will head to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, before also meeting Macron in Paris later the same day. The Ukrainian leader said the pre-election talks in France and Germany are crucial for "the fate of the Ukrainian state and of European security". They were "especially important", he said, in the face of "attempts" to lift Western sanctions against Russia, imposed on Moscow after its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula. France and Germany are part of the so-called Normandy peace talks with Ukraine and Russia that aim to end a conflict between Kiev and the Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. The war has killed 13,000 people over the past five years. Kiev and its Western allies accuse Russia of supporting the rebels militarily. Moscow denies that. Poroshenko, a 53-year-old former foreign minister, has positioned himself as the only candidate able to stand up to the Kremlin. He is eager to make up lost ground before the run-off vote by showing off his experience and oratory. Zelensky has said he will only debate Poroshenko in Kiev's Olympic Stadium, which seats over 70,000 people. The Ukrainian president has agreed, but the pair have so far given different dates for the event. 'Strange situation' Zelensky, 41, has shunned traditional rallies, instead of performing satirical shows and capitalising on frustration over corruption and economic trouble. By welcoming him, Paris has caused some annoyance in Kiev. "This is a very unpleasant and strange situation," a high-ranking Ukrainian diplomatic source told AFP. Analysts say the decision to host the comedian is explained by his success in the March 31 first round when he won 30 per cent of the vote. Poroshenko took almost 16 per cent. A new poll released Thursday showed 61 per cent of Ukrainians intends to vote for Zelensky in the second round on Sunday. It found only 24 per cent would back Poroshenko. "France is showing that it knows what the direction the Ukrainian electorate is heading in towards and that it has to make contact," said Leonid Litra, an analyst at the Kiev-based New Europe Center. Meeting Macron would allow the actor to make clear his vision of the peace process in eastern Ukraine that has currently stalled, Litra said. Zelensky has suggested including the UK and the US in peace talks. Despite Zelensky's inexperience, Litra said there is little risk of the frontrunner committing a serious faux-pas in Paris. "It is not complicated to exchange courtesies. He knows how to do that," he said. Despite the flamboyant media spectacle, the stakes are high for Ukraine, a country of 45 million seen as the biggest frontier between the European Union and Russia. In 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and war erupted in eastern Ukraine. Before the conflict with separatists began, Zelensky had struck a conciliatory tone, saying he was ready to "kneel" in front of Putin to avoid a military conflict. After the first round of the vote, he said he would ask the Kremlin for compensation for the war and for taking Crimea.

Ukraine comedian Zelensky to meet French President Emmanuel Macron before presidential run-off

US President Donald Trump and France's Emmanuel Macron agreed on Saturday on the need for more European defence spending, papering over an earlier Trump tweet that had described Macron's call for a European army as "very insulting".

Meeting for talks at the Elysee a day before commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, Macron welcomed Trump under rainy Parisian skies with a firm handshake. But there appeared to be less immediate warmth in the greeting between the two than in the past.

Seated on gilded chairs in the ornate presidential palace, Macron placed his hand on Trump's knee and referred to him as "my friend", while Trump kept more distance, although he also talked up common ground on an issue that had caused friction.

"We want a strong Europe, it's very important to us, and whichever way we can do it the best and more efficient would be something we both want," said Trump.

"We want to help Europe but it has to be fair. Right now the burden sharing has been largely on the United States."

Macron echoed those sentiments, saying he wanted Europe to bear a greater share of the defence costs within NATO, a point he has made repeatedly since taking office, alongside his ambitions for Europe to have its own military capability.

"That's why I do believe my proposals for European defence are totally consistent with that," Macron said in English.

Fresh off US congressional elections that saw his Republican Party's power eroded, Trump's visit is aimed at bolstering the US-European alliance at a symbolic time, with the world marking the centenary of World War One's armistice.

But in a tweet prior to landing in Paris, Trump took a dim view of comments Macron made in a Europe 1 radio interview this week in which he appeared to cast the United States as a threat.

Discussing the growing dangers from cyber-hacking, meddling in electoral processes and the US decision to withdraw from a missile treaty, Macron said Europe needed to protect itself against China, Russia "and even the United States".

Later in the interview, he spoke about the need for a European army, saying:

"Faced by Russia, which is on our borders and which has shown that it can be threatening... we need to have a Europe that can better defend itself by itself, without depending solely on the United States."

Trump, who has pushed NATO allies to pay more for common defense and not rely on the United States, complained.

"Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the US subsidizes greatly," Trump said on Twitter.

The Elysee said the misunderstanding, which it said had been caused by "exaggerated" US press reports, was cleared up during more than an hour of talks it described as "substantial" and "very constructive".

"We had a great discussion and we are aligned," the Elysee quoted Trump as saying during the meeting, which covered trade, defence, Syria and the fallout from the murder in Istanbul last month of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

SOLEMN COMMEMORATION

After a lunch with Macron and their wives, Melania and Brigitte, Trump was scheduled to visit an American cemetery at Belleau Wood, east of Paris. But he cancelled the trip due to the weather. White House chief of staff John Kelly, a retired four-star general, and General Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will attend the ceremony instead, the White House said.

On Sunday, after a solemn commemoration at the Arc de Triomphe to honour the armistice centenary, Trump is scheduled to visit an American cemetery at Suresnes, on the western outskirts of the capital, where he will make formal remarks.

His trip comes just days after congressional elections delivered results that will complicate his next two years. While Republicans slightly expanded their majority in the US Senate, they lost control of the US House of Representatives to Democrats who may use their newfound power to launch investigations into Trump and stymie his agenda.

While the talks with Trump covered trade and foreign policy, it was not clear if they touched on European concerns about Trump's plans to withdraw the United States from the 1980s Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Agreement.

Macron told Europe 1 radio that the "main victim" of the US withdrawal from the INF accord was Europe and its security.

The French president, who tried but failed earlier this year to talk Trump out of withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, has also voiced worries about the impact of sanctions on European companies doing business with Iran.

On Sunday, Trump may also chat briefly with Russian President Vladimir Putin when both are among the 70 world leaders set to gather at the Arc de Triomphe. Trump and Putin are expected to have formal talks later this month when both attend a G-20 summit in Buenos Aires.

US President Donald Trump and France's Emmanuel Macron agreed on Saturday on the need for more European defence spending, papering over an earlier Trump tweet that had described Macron's call for a European army as "very insulting".

US President Donald Trump and France's Emmanuel Macron agreed on Saturday on the need for more European defence spending, papering over an earlier Trump tweet that had described Macron's call for a European army as "very insulting". Meeting for talks at the Elysee a day before commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, Macron welcomed Trump under rainy Parisian skies with a firm handshake. But there appeared to be less immediate warmth in the greeting between the two than in the past. Seated on gilded chairs in the ornate presidential palace, Macron placed his hand on Trump's knee and referred to him as "my friend", while Trump kept more distance, although he also talked up common ground on an issue that had caused friction. "We want a strong Europe, it's very important to us, and whichever way we can do it the best and more efficient would be something we both want," said Trump. "We want to help Europe but it has to be fair. Right now the burden sharing has been largely on the United States." Macron echoed those sentiments, saying he wanted Europe to bear a greater share of the defence costs within NATO, a point he has made repeatedly since taking office, alongside his ambitions for Europe to have its own military capability. "That's why I do believe my proposals for European defence are totally consistent with that," Macron said in English. Fresh off US congressional elections that saw his Republican Party's power eroded, Trump's visit is aimed at bolstering the US-European alliance at a symbolic time, with the world marking the centenary of World War One's armistice. But in a tweet prior to landing in Paris, Trump took a dim view of comments Macron made in a Europe 1 radio interview this week in which he appeared to cast the United States as a threat. Discussing the growing dangers from cyber-hacking, meddling in electoral processes and the US decision to withdraw from a missile treaty, Macron said Europe needed to protect itself against China, Russia "and even the United States". Later in the interview, he spoke about the need for a European army, saying: "Faced by Russia, which is on our borders and which has shown that it can be threatening... we need to have a Europe that can better defend itself by itself, without depending solely on the United States." Trump, who has pushed NATO allies to pay more for common defense and not rely on the United States, complained. "Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the US subsidizes greatly," Trump said on Twitter. The Elysee said the misunderstanding, which it said had been caused by "exaggerated" US press reports, was cleared up during more than an hour of talks it described as "substantial" and "very constructive". "We had a great discussion and we are aligned," the Elysee quoted Trump as saying during the meeting, which covered trade, defence, Syria and the fallout from the murder in Istanbul last month of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. SOLEMN COMMEMORATION After a lunch with Macron and their wives, Melania and Brigitte, Trump was scheduled to visit an American cemetery at Belleau Wood, east of Paris. But he cancelled the trip due to the weather. White House chief of staff John Kelly, a retired four-star general, and General Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will attend the ceremony instead, the White House said. On Sunday, after a solemn commemoration at the Arc de Triomphe to honour the armistice centenary, Trump is scheduled to visit an American cemetery at Suresnes, on the western outskirts of the capital, where he will make formal remarks. His trip comes just days after congressional elections delivered results that will complicate his next two years. While Republicans slightly expanded their majority in the US Senate, they lost control of the US House of Representatives to Democrats who may use their newfound power to launch investigations into Trump and stymie his agenda. While the talks with Trump covered trade and foreign policy, it was not clear if they touched on European concerns about Trump's plans to withdraw the United States from the 1980s Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Agreement. Macron told Europe 1 radio that the "main victim" of the US withdrawal from the INF accord was Europe and its security. The French president, who tried but failed earlier this year to talk Trump out of withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, has also voiced worries about the impact of sanctions on European companies doing business with Iran. On Sunday, Trump may also chat briefly with Russian President Vladimir Putin when both are among the 70 world leaders set to gather at the Arc de Triomphe. Trump and Putin are expected to have formal talks later this month when both attend a G-20 summit in Buenos Aires.

Trump, Macron agree on defence after 'insulting' European army spat

In the cobbled streets of Rennes, there is scant affection for Emmanuel Macron among the voters who propelled France's mould-breaking president to power, though hopes for a socialist revival in this bastion of left-wing support are muted.

Nearly nine in every ten voters here backed Macron in his run-off race against Marine Le Pen a year ago, but most did so to keep a far-right populist leader out of the Elysee Palace rather than open the door to a former investment banker promising to create jobs and improve workers' lives by rebooting the economy.

A year on, Macron, who pitched himself as 'neither of the left nor right', faces simmering discontent over economic policies perceived as favouring the wealthy, as well as accusations of a controlling leadership style and intolerance for dissent.

"He's too much of a neo-liberal for me," said administrator Herve Garnier, a longtime supporter of the centre-left Socialist Party who voted for Macron last May's second round.

"His government doesn't listen, it imposes what it wants. But you've got to listen to the street," the 50-year-added, a reference to the protests by public workers, students, pensioners and railworkers confronting Macron.

Macron has so far ignored voter anger and a precipitous decline in popularity, pressing ahead with policy to liberalise the heavily-regulated economy and confronting head-on labour unions and other vested interests he believes have choked growth in the past.

Some 58 percent of French consider his economic reforms "too radical", an Odoxa poll showed this week, but Macron says he will not be distracted from his chance to reshape France.

Unions complain Macron has eroded workers' rights to the benefit of big business, while left-wing opponents have dubbed him the "president of the rich".

"You can hope some bankers will be human beings. Now we realise he's shown his true colours, he's a true banker," said retired history teacher Luis Guasco, a supporter of the far-left France Unbowed party.

Guasco is bitter about Macron's move to increase a tax on pensioners while scrapping a wealth tax, and the lack of debate in a parliament where Macron's Republic on the Move party holds a commanding majority.

"It's a sham democracy," he said.

Political earthquake

Macron's stunning sweep to power all but wiped the traditional parties off the French political landscape. Twelve months on both the Socialist Party and centre-right party The Republicans are still searching for a response.

"For now there is no opposition in the making, quite simply because there is no credible alternative project. It's either chaos with the National Front and France Unbowed, or a complete lack of ideas," said Laurent Bigorgne, director of the Institut Montaigne think-tank.

An Elabe opinion poll this week showed almost half of all respondents saw no credible opposition to Macron. Just 4 percent considered the Socialist Party as a real opposition force, underscoring the scale of the former ruling party's demise.

Macron and his party have, however, discovered early on that enacting broad social and economic reforms without a traditional power base can have its price, losing two by-elections in February.

Analysts say the Socialist Party will need to rebuild from local power bases in cities like Rennes, nearby Nantes and the northeast industrial city of Lille, where the party still holds control of the town halls.

"The socialists were hounded out on a national level, now they will hope to re-enter on the local stage," said Pascal Perrineau, a political science professor at Sciences Po.

Municipal elections and then regional votes in 2020 will be a test of both Macron's ability to extend his barely two-year old political movement into local communes and departments and of the mainstream parties ability to recover.

"If Macron's movement at the national level doesn't connect with grassroot-level politics then it will be a fragile force," Perrineau said.

In the cobbled streets of Rennes, there is scant affection for Emmanuel Macron among the voters who propelled France's mould-breaking president to power, though hopes for a socialist revival in this bastion of left-wing support are muted

In the cobbled streets of Rennes, there is scant affection for Emmanuel Macron among the voters who propelled France's mould-breaking president to power, though hopes for a socialist revival in this bastion of left-wing support are muted. Nearly nine in every ten voters here backed Macron in his run-off race against Marine Le Pen a year ago, but most did so to keep a far-right populist leader out of the Elysee Palace rather than open the door to a former investment banker promising to create jobs and improve workers' lives by rebooting the economy. A year on, Macron, who pitched himself as 'neither of the left nor right', faces simmering discontent over economic policies perceived as favouring the wealthy, as well as accusations of a controlling leadership style and intolerance for dissent. "He's too much of a neo-liberal for me," said administrator Herve Garnier, a longtime supporter of the centre-left Socialist Party who voted for Macron last May's second round. "His government doesn't listen, it imposes what it wants. But you've got to listen to the street," the 50-year-added, a reference to the protests by public workers, students, pensioners and railworkers confronting Macron. Macron has so far ignored voter anger and a precipitous decline in popularity, pressing ahead with policy to liberalise the heavily-regulated economy and confronting head-on labour unions and other vested interests he believes have choked growth in the past. Some 58 percent of French consider his economic reforms "too radical", an Odoxa poll showed this week, but Macron says he will not be distracted from his chance to reshape France. Unions complain Macron has eroded workers' rights to the benefit of big business, while left-wing opponents have dubbed him the "president of the rich". "You can hope some bankers will be human beings. Now we realise he's shown his true colours, he's a true banker," said retired history teacher Luis Guasco, a supporter of the far-left France Unbowed party. Guasco is bitter about Macron's move to increase a tax on pensioners while scrapping a wealth tax, and the lack of debate in a parliament where Macron's Republic on the Move party holds a commanding majority. "It's a sham democracy," he said. Political earthquake Macron's stunning sweep to power all but wiped the traditional parties off the French political landscape. Twelve months on both the Socialist Party and centre-right party The Republicans are still searching for a response. "For now there is no opposition in the making, quite simply because there is no credible alternative project. It's either chaos with the National Front and France Unbowed, or a complete lack of ideas," said Laurent Bigorgne, director of the Institut Montaigne think-tank. An Elabe opinion poll this week showed almost half of all respondents saw no credible opposition to Macron. Just 4 percent considered the Socialist Party as a real opposition force, underscoring the scale of the former ruling party's demise. Macron and his party have, however, discovered early on that enacting broad social and economic reforms without a traditional power base can have its price, losing two by-elections in February. Analysts say the Socialist Party will need to rebuild from local power bases in cities like Rennes, nearby Nantes and the northeast industrial city of Lille, where the party still holds control of the town halls. "The socialists were hounded out on a national level, now they will hope to re-enter on the local stage," said Pascal Perrineau, a political science professor at Sciences Po. Municipal elections and then regional votes in 2020 will be a test of both Macron's ability to extend his barely two-year old political movement into local communes and departments and of the mainstream parties ability to recover. "If Macron's movement at the national level doesn't connect with grassroot-level politics then it will be a fragile force," Perrineau said.

Little love for France's Macron in longtime socialist stronghold

Emmanuel Macron became France&#39;s youngest ever president on Sunday, taking over from Socialist Francois Hollande in a solemn ceremony.

Macron, a 39-year-old centrist, arrived at the Elysee Palace in central Paris in a motorcade and walked down the red carpet under light rain to be greeted by Hollande for his inauguration.

The new president&#39;s wife Brigitte, a 64-year-old who was his high school drama teacher, arrived separately for the ceremony wearing a light blue Louis Vuitton outfit.

A week after his victory over far-right leader Marine Le Pen in a tumultuous election, Macron will have a private meeting with Hollande at which he will be given the codes to launch France&#39;s nuclear weapons.

He will then attend a ceremony in front of hundreds of politicians and invited guests at which the official election results will be read out.

At the end of the formalities, a 21-gun salute is to ring out from the Invalides military hospital on the other side of the River Seine.

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Brigitte Macron arrived separately for the ceremony wearing a light blue Louis Vuitton outfit. (AFP)
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Macron will then be driven to the Arc de Triomphe to lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

The new president faces a host of daunting challenges including tackling stubbornly high unemployment, fighting Islamist-inspired violence and uniting a deeply divided country.

Socialist Hollande&#39;s five years in power were plagued by a sluggish economy and bloody terror attacks that killed more than 230 people and he leaves office after a single term.

The 64-year-old launched Macron&#39;s political career, plucking him from the world of investment banking to be an advisor and then his economy minister.

&quot;I am not handing over power to a political opponent, it&#39;s far simpler,&quot; Hollande said on Thursday.

Security was tight with around 1,500 police officers deployed near the presidential palace and the nearby Champs Elysees avenue and surrounding roads were blocked off.

After a formal lunch, Macron will visit Paris&#39;s town hall, a traditional stop for any new French president in his &quot;host&quot; city.

PM named, then Berlin 
Macron&#39;s first week will be busy. On Monday, he is expected to reveal the closely-guarded name of his prime minister, before flying to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

It is virtually a rite of passage for French leaders to make their first European trip to meet the leader of the other half of the so-called &quot;motor&quot; of the EU.

Pro-EU Macron wants to push for closer cooperation to help the bloc overcome the imminent departure of Britain, another of its most powerful members.

He intends to press for the creation of a parliament and budget for the eurozone.

Merkel welcomed Macron&#39;s decisive 32-point victory over Le Pen, saying he carried &quot;the hopes of millions of French people and also many in Germany and across Europe&quot;.

In June, Macron faces what the French media are calling a &quot;third round of the presidential election&quot; when the country elects a new parliament in a two-round vote.

The new president needs an outright majority to be able to enact his ambitious reform agenda.

The year-old political movement &quot;Republique en Marche&quot; (Republic on the Move, REM) that he formed to launch his presidential bid intends to field candidates in virtually every constituency in the country.

It unveiled 428 of its 577 candidates this week, saying it wants to bring fresh faces into the National Assembly lower house of parliament.

Half of them have never held elected office, including a retired female bullfighter and a star mathematician, and half of them are women.

Host of new faces 
Macron met many of the candidates gathered at a Paris museum on Saturday and told them they had an &quot;immense responsibility&quot;.

&quot;You are the new faces of French politics,&quot; some of those present quoted him as saying.

Macron won one of the most unpredictable French elections in modern history marked by scandal, repeated surprises and a last-minute hacking attack on his campaign.

Just as campaigning ended, hundreds of thousands of emails and documents stolen from his campaign were dumped online, leading Macron to call it an attempt at &quot;democratic destabilisation&quot;.

US authorities have said they believe Russian hackers were behind the attack.

The election saw voters reject France&#39;s two traditional political forces of left and right. Their candidates were eliminated in the first round.

Unpopular Hollande was the first to bow to the rebellious mood in December as he became the first sitting president not to seek re-election in the French fifth republic, founded in 1958.

(AFP)

Macron will have a private meeting with his predecessor Francois Hollande at which he will be given the codes to launch France's nuclear weapons

Emmanuel Macron became France's youngest ever president on Sunday, taking over from Socialist Francois Hollande in a solemn ceremony. Macron, a 39-year-old centrist, arrived at the Elysee Palace in central Paris in a motorcade and walked down the red carpet under light rain to be greeted by Hollande for his inauguration. The new president's wife Brigitte, a 64-year-old who was his high school drama teacher, arrived separately for the ceremony wearing a light blue Louis Vuitton outfit. A week after his victory over far-right leader Marine Le Pen in a tumultuous election, Macron will have a private meeting with Hollande at which he will be given the codes to launch France's nuclear weapons. He will then attend a ceremony in front of hundreds of politicians and invited guests at which the official election results will be read out. At the end of the formalities, a 21-gun salute is to ring out from the Invalides military hospital on the other side of the River Seine. Brigitte Macron arrived separately for the ceremony wearing a light blue Louis Vuitton outfit. (AFP) × Macron will then be driven to the Arc de Triomphe to lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier. The new president faces a host of daunting challenges including tackling stubbornly high unemployment, fighting Islamist-inspired violence and uniting a deeply divided country. Socialist Hollande's five years in power were plagued by a sluggish economy and bloody terror attacks that killed more than 230 people and he leaves office after a single term. The 64-year-old launched Macron's political career, plucking him from the world of investment banking to be an advisor and then his economy minister. "I am not handing over power to a political opponent, it's far simpler," Hollande said on Thursday. Security was tight with around 1,500 police officers deployed near the presidential palace and the nearby Champs Elysees avenue and surrounding roads were blocked off. After a formal lunch, Macron will visit Paris's town hall, a traditional stop for any new French president in his "host" city. PM named, then Berlin Macron's first week will be busy. On Monday, he is expected to reveal the closely-guarded name of his prime minister, before flying to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It is virtually a rite of passage for French leaders to make their first European trip to meet the leader of the other half of the so-called "motor" of the EU. Pro-EU Macron wants to push for closer cooperation to help the bloc overcome the imminent departure of Britain, another of its most powerful members. He intends to press for the creation of a parliament and budget for the eurozone. Merkel welcomed Macron's decisive 32-point victory over Le Pen, saying he carried "the hopes of millions of French people and also many in Germany and across Europe". In June, Macron faces what the French media are calling a "third round of the presidential election" when the country elects a new parliament in a two-round vote. The new president needs an outright majority to be able to enact his ambitious reform agenda. The year-old political movement "Republique en Marche" (Republic on the Move, REM) that he formed to launch his presidential bid intends to field candidates in virtually every constituency in the country. It unveiled 428 of its 577 candidates this week, saying it wants to bring fresh faces into the National Assembly lower house of parliament. Half of them have never held elected office, including a retired female bullfighter and a star mathematician, and half of them are women. Host of new faces Macron met many of the candidates gathered at a Paris museum on Saturday and told them they had an "immense responsibility". "You are the new faces of French politics," some of those present quoted him as saying. Macron won one of the most unpredictable French elections in modern history marked by scandal, repeated surprises and a last-minute hacking attack on his campaign. Just as campaigning ended, hundreds of thousands of emails and documents stolen from his campaign were dumped online, leading Macron to call it an attempt at "democratic destabilisation". US authorities have said they believe Russian hackers were behind the attack. The election saw voters reject France's two traditional political forces of left and right. Their candidates were eliminated in the first round. Unpopular Hollande was the first to bow to the rebellious mood in December as he became the first sitting president not to seek re-election in the French fifth republic, founded in 1958. (AFP)

Macron takes office as President of France

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